Facts emerged yesterday the reaaon behind the suspension of Dana Air operations. There were reports that indicate that numerous concerns identified by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) were left unattended by the airline and persist unresolved to this day.
At the time, the National Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Director General, Captain Musa Nuhu, indefinitely suspended the company’s Air Transport Licence and Air Operator Certificate following a financial and economic health assessment conducted on the airline by the regulatory body.
While it was disclosed that Dana Air was unable to fulfill its financial responsibilities and ensure safe flights, it was noted that several of the concerns highlighted by NCAA were not resolved prior to Dana being reinstated.
On Tuesday 23rd April 2024, a Dana Air aircraft encountered a runway incursion while landing at the domestic terminal of Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos from Abuja. This incident has prompted another suspension by the federal government.
“Dana Air operated several flights on the MD 80 fleet with no licensed captain. A captain of over 65 years of age sat on the jump seat, while a senior first officer on upgrade training sat on the left seat with a line first officer sitting on the right seat.
“A Senior First Officer occupied the left seat while a First Officer occupied the right seat and operated Dana flight 342 LOS – PHC with aircraft 5N-DKI on April 23, 2022. The flight continued from PHC – ABV and then ABV – LOS. The SF/O even went as far as signing the technical logbook.“On April 20, 2022, a re-qualifying captain flew with a line captain, instead of a line trainer (instructor) or a check airman.
“Dana Air’s Director of Flight Operations conducted checks on the aircraft even though his Check Airman authorisation had expired on the 12 of September, 2020 and, in addition, he was over 65 years of age.“One of Dana Air’s captains, who had attained 65 years of age in July, 2021, operated several flights on the jump seat. Also, his Check Airman authorisation expired on August 23, 2021 but he continued to exercise the privilege.
“The Chief Pilot of Dana Air, who does not have an NCAA Check Airman Authorisation, yet conducted checks.
“Flight deck crews scheduled for flights disregarded flight duty times and crew rest regulations. The Zapways rostering system utilised by Dana Air, although a good system, is open to manipulation by the scheduling and rostering staff.”
“The AME Licence of Dana Air’s Quality Inspector was suspended for 60 days and the AMEL Validation of one of Dana Air’s expatriate Maintenance Engineer was also suspended for 60 days, for maintenance violations.
“The Authority is convinced that Dana Air and its personnel deliberately violate the provisions of the Nig.CARs relating to safety and therefore the Airline is no longer in a position to conduct safe operations.
“The cumulative and apparent deliberate violations of the Nig.CARS, as indicated above, by DANA Air employees, especially several key post holders is indicative of a toxic corporate safety culture within the organisation.
“This, in conjunction with report of the Financial and Economic Health Audit, is a good indication that safety and security of Dana’s flight operations are under serious threat and can no longer be guaranteed.” The report said.
